New Delhi, June 6 -- Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly dismissed reports claiming that he had contacted Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamata Banerjee and conveyed a message asking him to resign from his position as the elected representative of his constituency to facilitate her contesting a forthcoming by-election from the seat.

Ganguly said the allegations were completely false and urged the media not to be influenced by rumours or speculation. He clarified that the claims regarding his involvement in any such communication were untrue.

"It was alleged that I had contacted Mr Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamta Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and had carried her message that he should step down/resign from h...